Tag: wedding music list

Wedding Ceremony Music – The Basics

If you are planning a wedding in Albany, Troy, Schenectady, Saratoga Springs or anywhere else in the world, I’m sure you have already figured out that there millions of components to think about. The catering service, the venue location, the food selections / menu, the DJ, the cocktail hour, the clothing, the decoration, the centerpieces, the flower arrangements, the bouquet, the favors, did I forget something? Wait! Wait!! Have you even stopped to think about the ceremony yet?

The selection for the music for your wedding ceremony is always a tough task. My customers from Albany, NY to Saratoga Springs come to me all the time and say, “Kenny! Where do I start? I don’t know what any of that music is called or when it even happens!” It’s actually not so difficult. Hang on to you garter… here is a crash course Cliff Notes edition to wedding ceremony layouts for dummies:

Music for your wedding ceremony is important. This part of the day is the serious time set aside where the bride and groom express their feelings for one another and exchange their vows. That means, all in all,  the ceremony is the time set aside for the mushy stuff. Therefore, you probably want to think about slower classical wedding music, new age, or very slow classic rock or pop ballads.

No matter how you look at, there are a few stages to a wedding ceremony, before the bride and groom say I do:

PRELUDE – There should be about four or five songs played as a prelude when the guests are seated. These can be anything, but keep in mind, these selections set the atmosphere for the guests. If you have no music playing, it feels more like a funeral than a wedding, so the prelude is important! The actual song selections should be light and elegant, modern or traditional to your liking.

PROCESSIONAL – The groomsmen and the groom usually move to the front from the side. They do not walk down the aisle, This signifies that the ceremony is about to formally begin. There are two songs during the processional: one song is chosen for when the bridesmaids enter, and the other song is to be the most dramatic choice, selected for play when the bride walks down the aisle.

RECESSIONAL – One last song is played after the kiss for the bride and groom  to walk back up the aisle to. Think happy!  The music played in the recessional, should symbolize the happiness of the couple’s new life together.

If you are like many, you probably want the traditional classic wedding music, but have NO CLUE what the songs are called. Here is my playlist when I am told to play the traditional favorites:

1) PRELUDE: Spring, Canon in D,  Four Seasons Winter, Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring
2) PROCESSIONAL – Bach – Air of The G String
3) BRIDAL MARCH – The traditional bridal march song that many know as “Here Comes The Bride” is by classical composer  Richard Wagner, officially entitled “The Bridal Chorus from Lohengrin.”
4) RECESSIONAL – The main choice is Mendelssohn— “ Wedding March” from Midsummer Night’s Dream (Traditional Recessional). Some people also select Beethoven’s “Ode To Joy” from Symphony No. 9: Movement 4… and for something lighter and fun, some choose Handel’s “Hallelujah.”

EXTRA SELECTIONS – There can be additional specialized songs selecte at different points in the ceremony, depending on the actual ceremony itself. Sometimes a special song can be played during or after the exchanging the rings and vows, and the lighting a unity candle.

RESTRICTIONS – Some churches have rules about wedding songs used during your ceremony so be sure to ask your clergy person or officiant! Remember, if you are non-traditional, you might get a kick out of white wedding, but your reverend may very well not be a Billy Idol fan.

There is a growing trend to get away from the traditional classic music. However, it is recommended that you shy away from anything upbeat. Adding too much craziness to the ceremony is not recommended, because it takes away from the seriousness of the union at hand.

For your wedding ceremony, your music selections should all probably still be softer and with a slower tempo. However, that doesn’t mean you have do the same thing everyone does.You can totally customize the song selection to fit your taste.  There is plenty of good music out there that may be better suited for you than classical music.   One of the most moving bridal marches I have seen was set to Enya’s “Only Time.”  However, the most memorable one was last summer, when I had a bride who walked down the aisle to Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire,” so go figure.

HOW TO THROW A SUCCESSFULLY SWINGIN’ COCKTAIL HOUR

One way to lighten the mood before dinner at your wedding is to have some nice music that encourages cocktail consumption. Who better to set this atmosphere than “Mister Martini” Dean Martin, or good ‘ole blue eyes Frank Sinatra, himself?

If you are planning a classic “Loungy” cocktail hour for the period of time before the dinner is to be served at your wedding reception, the possibilities are endless.

Try serving martinis with poker chips and and playing cards tossed around on the tables as decor. Sunglasses will also give tuxedo wearing guests that extra added “Rat Pack” feel. But what ever you do, you have to set the atmosphere with music.

THE BLEND – To really have that a great cocktail hour, think drink.  Create an atmosphere that encourages mixed drink imbibing. To so this, you need a great mix of just the right music.  Try a blend of Jazz , 40’s / 50’s Swing, Big band and Blues, along with some Island music (like Jimmy Buffet, Bob Marley, or “IZ” Israel Kamakawiwoʻole) and just a splash of modern soft rock, Motown, and Pop.

COCKTAIL HOUR MUSIC LIST

Here is a great list of songs to pull ideas from and create your own playlist:

DJ Kenny Casanova – is a professional wedding reception mobile dj and professional wrestling ring announcer out of Albany, NY and Troy, NY. You can email him at ken@theDJservice.com.

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